Description of event:
The Innate Immune Response in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease
May 10—15, 2013
Venue to be announced, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Meeting Summary
The innate immune receptors and
pathways involved in
pathogen recognition are the subject of intense research; however, our overall understanding of the complex
interactions between innate
immunity and infectious agents is still limited. This meeting aims to address the following main points: (i) molecular events of innate recognition and host
cell activation by infectious agents; (ii) innate mechanisms of
pathogen elimination or persistence in host
cells; (iii) the consequences of activation/evasion of specific innate immune
pathways on microbial
pathogenesis and
disease outcome; (iv) the role of innate
immunity in the development of beneficial versus deleterious acquired immune responses during infectious diseases; and (v) manipulation of specific innate immune
pathways for
therapeutic and prophylactic intervention in infectious diseases. A major emphasis of the scientific program will be on infectious diseases of the tropics, where the role of innate
immunity is less understood. It is hoped that this symposium will generate a new understanding of host-
pathogen interactions that regulate host
resistance versus
disease outcomes and by so doing contribute to the design of new strategies for immunological intervention. The rational development of immunological interventions that are effective for treating or preventing infectious diseases is still on its infancy. For decades, the majority of the studies on immunopathogenesis have dealt with physical damage and
inflammation, primarily mediated by the adaptive immune system. The main
focus of the program will be on the interface of the innate
immunity and microbial pathogens, as a key step that is determinant of protective versus deleterious immune responses, and thereby of the outcome of
disease. This meeting will promote discussions on fundamental concepts as well as new advances in the role of innate
immunity in host
resistance and
pathogenesis of infectious diseases, with significant emphasis on infections of the tropics. Investigators from different areas, such as
biochemistry,
cell biology,
immunology,
microbiology, parasitology, infectious diseases, tropical
medicine and
biotechnology will be included to encourage the discussion of interdisciplinary concepts and new directions for the field. This is the first of a series of Keystone Symposia meetings to be held in Brazil, and should also foster the participation of Latin American students and scientists. The close
interaction of these participants with leading international experts in the field should lead to a stimulating atmosphere that we hope will promote the development of new South-North collaborations and research networks.
Conference Location
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Brazil
Contact us
Keystone Symposia
160 U.S. Highway 6, Suite 200
PO Box 1630
Silverthorne, CO 80498